Lab Course Coordinator

Competition 2431

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest and most diverse on campus and offers over 120 undergraduate courses. Courses with laboratory components in the newly re-envisioned programs in the Biological Sciences are supported by a passionate team of academic instructors, course coordinators, laboratory technicians, and teaching assistants. We are dedicated to providing an excellent student experience through hands-on learning as an integral component of teaching and learning in the Biological Sciences. As a member of the laboratory course support team, your skills and attributes will directly shape of the next generation of University of Alberta-trained Biologists.

Position Summary

The laboratory coordinator will join a team of course support staff dedicated to supporting the laboratory components of the Department of Biological Sciences’ undergraduate courses. Coordinators ensure materials are prepared for weekly labs, maintain equipment in good working order, contribute to course and program development, maintain digital records and documents, ensure a safe working environment and interact with students, teaching assistants, instructors and other course support staff.

The laboratory coordinator primarily supports courses in the areas of molecular and cellular biology and is involved in integrating laboratory skill curriculum across courses in the MCDB (Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology) program. Course assignments may change over time, allowing for continued learning and opportunity for growth.

Duties 

• Prepare Materials and Set Up Labs for Undergraduate Courses 
• Engage in Student Interaction
• Maintain Lab Equipment 
• Assist with the Preparation of TAs for Weekly Teaching
• Develop New Protocols for Student Labs
• Write and Maintain Lab Course Preparation Notes, Assist with Preparing Student Lab Manual and Lab Protocols, Assist with Maintenance of Online Learning Platform
• Procure and Inventory Materials
• Regulate Laboratory Safety

Minimum Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Biological Science with Major in Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology (or equivalent)
• Three years of relevant on-the-job experience of a combination of education/training, and extensive experience in molecular biology

Preferred Qualifications

• A MSc in Biological Sciences is an asset
• Experience with Protein Biology
• Basic Bioinformatics
• Basic First Aid
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web-based literature searches, and web-based purchasing. Experience with LMS is an asset
• Ability to work collaboratively with laboratory instructors (Academic staff members) and teaching Assistants (Graduate students)
• Extensive experience and background in advanced wet laboratory bench skills, including but not limited to molecular biology, microbiology, protein biology and basic bioinformatics
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, ability to provide technical advice on existing lab protocols, and ability to design new experiments
• Ability to engage positively with a diverse range of students to promote a safe and welcoming learning environment
• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work effectively
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Experience in handling and disposal of potential biohazardous and chemical materials
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to troubleshoot complex situations, make quick decisions, and assess working safely while students' laboratories are in session